Tag Archives: ferguson

VIDEO: Ferdinand shoves Torres in the back of the head in off-the-ball incident

By
Rik Sharma

PUBLISHED:

19:18 GMT, 10 March 2013

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UPDATED:

20:10 GMT, 10 March 2013

Rio Ferdinand continued his somewhat unsporting week by shoving the back of Fernando Torres' head in an off-the-ball incident during Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final.

The centre back, touted for a recall to Roy Hodgson's England squad, went in for a challenge with Torres and after the pair had got up, barged him with his forearm while the referee was looking the other way.

Torres fell to the ground in a heap and Ferdinand ushered the Spaniard back to his feet.

Scroll down for video

Sneaky: Rio Ferdinand shoved Fernando Torres while the referee's back was turned

Get up: Ferdinand yanks the Spanish striker to his feet

FA Cup report

Click here for the full story of the game

On Tuesday night Ferdinand was seen sarcastically clapping in referee Cuneyt Cakir's face in the aftermath of United's 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid.

Cakir had controversially sent off Nani during the game and the furious Ferdinand made his feelings clear at the final whistle.

He has avoided censure from UEFA over the incident and the club also were not punished for not fulfilling their post-match media obligations.

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to speak after the game and his players were also prevented from speaking.

Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney will remain at Manchester United next season

Ferguson stands by decision to start Real Madrid clash with Rooney on the bench

United manager reveals he thought he'd get 'more stick' for leaving out Shinji Kagawa

Ferguson admits he had expressed concern to his staff about the appointment of referee Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir prior to Tuesday's defeat

PUBLISHED:

09:54 GMT, 8 March 2013

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UPDATED:

10:19 GMT, 8 March 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney will be at Manchester United next season.

The England international's future was thrown into doubt after Ferguson sensationally axed him for the visit of Real Madrid earlier this week.

But speaking ahead of United's FA Cup sixth-round showdown with Chelsea on Sunday, Ferguson says he has not plans to sell Rooney in the summer.

The right decision: Sir Alex Ferguson has stood by his call to leave Wayne Rooney on the bench for the visit of Madrid

Benched: Wayne Rooney was unceremoniously axed for the visit of Real Madrid on Tuesday night

'He'll be here next year,' Ferguson said. 'You can have my word on that.'

'The issue you're all going on about in the papers is absolute rubbish.

'There is absolutely no issue
between Wayne Rooney and I. To suggest we don't talk to each other on
the training ground is absolute nonsense.

'He understood the reasons for not
playing him and that was completely tactical. And I think I was right.
We don't always get it right but I think we did get it right.

All smiles: Wayne Rooney appeared in good spirits yesterday despite being omitted from United's startling line-up

'Danny Welbeck is the best player we
have in terms of operating in a double role. We had to choke Xabi
Alonso's ability to control the game, which Danny did, and that took
away Alonso's control of the game and his ability to go further forward
and be an attacking player.

'We don't always get it right but we definitely did on Tuesday.

'I left out Shinji Kagawa after he scored a hat-trick. I thought I would get more stick for that.'

Ferguson is still bitter about the
circumstances of Tuesday's defeat, in particular the dismissal of Nani,
on which the entire contest turned.

On the ball: Ferguson opted for Danny Welbeck ahead of Rooney for Tuesday night's tie

'It is hard to keep your faith when you have things like that,' added the Scot.

Rooney fights for his United future as 20m bid might tempt fed-up Ferguson to sell

By
Ian Ladyman

PUBLISHED:

22:31 GMT, 6 March 2013

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UPDATED:

10:11 GMT, 7 March 2013

Wayne Rooney is facing a desperate fight to save his Manchester United career as manager Sir Alex Ferguson continues to harbour grave doubts about his fitness and attitude.

Ferguson stunned football by dropping the England forward to the bench for Tuesday night's Champions League defeat against Real Madrid at Old Trafford.

The United manager believes Rooney has failed to get on top of the weight and fitness issues that have dogged him since the start of the season and is fed up with waiting for an improvement.

Benched: Wayne Rooney started Tuesday night's game as a substitute after he was axed by Sir Alex Ferguson

Axed: Rooney's relationship with his manager is said to be tense after a difficult season at Old Trafford

With Rooney, 27, entering the final two years of his contract this summer, Ferguson knows he has a decision to make about his future.

As it stands, the Scot will not rule out selling him at the end of the season if the club can attract a bid of more than 20million.

Sources in both camps have told Sportsmail that the relationship between the pair has been tense for some time and shows no signs of getting better. Senior players say privately that they can sense it at the training ground on a daily basis.

Rooney acknowledges that he and Ferguson have not been on the best of terms for much of this season but disputes suggestions that he has not looked after himself.

Super-rich Paris Saint-Germain have an interest in Rooney, while United's neighbours Manchester City would take the former Everton star in an instant if they thought their rivals would sell to them.

City tried to buy Rooney in the autumn of 2010, prompting United to raise their wage ceiling to keep him.

His former United and England team-mate Michael Owen told talkSPORT: 'It's got to be a big worry for Rooney. It's the biggest game of the season and the manager has shuffled his pack and not included him.

'A couple of years ago, if Wayne wasn't the first-choice striker, he would have played him in left midfield or in behind the striker. For him not to start is a real kick in the teeth.

Real misery: Rooney could not prevent United crashing out of the Champions League to the Spanish giants

End of the road Rooney will be weighing up his future at Old Trafford after he was snubbed by Ferguson

Dip in form: Rooney, cigarette in hand, relaxes on his honeymoon in
Las Vegas

'Wayne will either get his head down, try to improve and force his way back into the team, or he'll think, “The manager has not picked me for the biggest game, he obviously doesn't fancy me”, and it might not be the end of the story.'

Meanwhile, UEFA have charged United for failing to fulfil their media obligations after Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat that put them out of the Champions League.

Bidding war: Both Manchester City and PSG would be interested should United choose to sell Rooney

Not only did Ferguson not attend the press conference after the game, United also failed to provide two players for post-match interviews, as mandated under UEFA rules.

Nani, who was sent off by referee Cuneyt Cakir with United leading 1-0, will definitely be banned for one European game at least.

His case, and United's, will be heard by UEFA on March 21. It will not be known if players like United defender Rio Ferdinand will face sanction for their actions after the game until Cakir files his report, probably later today.

Manchester United fans have reacted furiously after Roy Keane claimed the decision to send off Nani in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid was the right one.

United fans on Twitter have described Keane as 'bitter' and claim to have 'lost respect' for the former Old Trafford hero.

Keane's comments came on ITV in the moments after the match which saw his former side kicked out of Europe's elite competition by a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Right decision: United fans are furious their former captain failed to support the club

The turning point of the match came midway through the second half when Nani was shown a straight red for a clumsy challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Portugal international appeared to be watching high ball land and his leg hit the Madrid player in his midriff.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was apoplectic on the touchline, but Keane believes Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir made the right decision.

He said: 'I think the referee has actually made the right call. Everyone's upset about it and it's slightly unlucky, but it's dangerous play. Whether he meant it or not is irrelevant.

'It's dangerous play – it's a red card.

'You have to be aware of other players on the pitch. Does he think he's going to have 20 yards to himself

'Whether it's [a brave decision] or not, it's the right decision. Whether he meant it or not doesn't matter.

'Nani's a quick boy to go down anyway. He's not the bravest player on the planet.'

Keane insisted the referee had carefully considered his decision.

Marching orders: Nani was sent off for this challenge during the second half

He added: 'It doesn't matter if he
knows there's somebody there or not, it's irrelevant. I don't think the
referee actually made the decision because he waited a couple of minutes
while the player was getting treatment.

'I think it might have been the assistant that made the decision, and I actually think he's made the right call.

'We always say referees are very quick to make decisions – he waited a couple of minutes.

'Any time I was sent off in my career
I always thought, “did I give the referee chance to send me off” And
if the answer is yes, then it's out of your hands.'

The defeat leaves United battling on
two fronts for domestic silverware, but Keane may not be welcome at the
home of the Barclays League leaders in the wake of his comments.

One Twitter user said: 'Worst thing
to come out of tonight is Roy Keane's dirty comments, absolutely quality
for us as a player but what a bitter fella.'

Another added: 'The last bit of respect I had for Roy Keane has now well and truly gone.'

No love lost: Fergie was furious with the referee over the decision to send Nani off

Despite
a highly successful working career together, Keane has blasted his
former boss on a number of occasions since his departure in November
2005.

Keane was unhappy with the way he was ushered out of Old Trafford eight years ago. An
interview with MUTV in which he was critical of some of his Manchester
United team-mates was given as a reason for his departure after
12-and-a-half years.

Asked if he could envisage a time
when he would have a good relationship with the Scot again, Keane told
The Sun: 'I wouldn’t have thought so, no. He’s a busy man and I’m fairly
busy.

'I said before I
was disappointed the way I was treated at the end, nobody will change
that. But that doesn’t mean to say I’m bitter and twisted towards Man
United. Far from it.

'I can go back there, I just wouldn’t be comfortable so that’s my choice.'

Keane
also told the Sunday Times: 'People say Ferguson always does what is
right for Man United. I don’t think he does. I think he does what is
right for him.'

Vidic: Don't rule out Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford after he's done at the Bernabeu

By
Graeme Yorke

PUBLISHED:

01:09 GMT, 5 March 2013

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UPDATED:

01:09 GMT, 5 March 2013

Nemanja Vidic has refused to rule out the possibility that he could one day be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

The Red Devils centre back will face off against his former team-mate when Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take on Real Madrid at Old Trafford in the second leg of the last-16 Champions League tie.

But despite his manager claiming the prospect of Ronaldo return in the red of United is implausible, Vidic believes it is a possibility.

Facing off: Nemanja Vidic (right) and Cristiano Ronaldo (left) will play against one another on Tuesday

Not impossible: Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford, according to his former team-mate Vidic

The 31-year-old Serbian told the Daily Telegraph: ‘I could see it [Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United]. He is a United supporter and he still follows United, he still misses the club and the environment here, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back.

‘It would be a big ask for many reasons, but I would love to see him here.

‘I don’t know what atmosphere he has at Madrid, so I can’t really talk about that, but all I can say is that I enjoyed playing with him, he enjoyed it here and it will be great to see him.’

Vidic also believes that the Portugal captain is on par with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who has beaten Ronaldo to the Ballon d’Or four years in a row.

On par: Vidic believes Ronaldo (right) is as good as Lionel Messi (left)

He added: 'They are different players, totally different.

'But in recent years, Barcelona have won everything and I think that is why people have put Ronaldo to one side.

'I have played with him and trained with him and I know how many sacrifices he made to be where he is.'

Happy times: Ronaldo (right) celebrates alongside Vidic (left) during his Manchester United days

Ronaldo trains ahead of Old Trafford return in crunch clash with former club United

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

16:00 GMT, 4 March 2013

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UPDATED:

16:00 GMT, 4 March 2013

All eyes will be on Old Trafford tomorrow, with many focusing their view on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is making his first appearance back at Manchester United since leaving three years for a world record 80million.

And it was the same tonight as he, along with the rest of his team-mates, put in a final training shift before the titanic Champions League clash.

Speaking in his press conference, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘My biggest concern is if Cristiano turns up. What do you expect when you play against a team with Ronaldo in it'

Coming home: Cristiano Ronaldo trains ahead of his return to his former club on Tuesday night

He added: ‘You expect problems on the night. We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won’t be easy as he does it every week.

‘The experience young Rafael had in Madrid will probably help him because he has the same task. If you go in worried about what Cristiano can do then we forget what we can do ourselves.

‘The older one, the fatter one, peaked that time (ten years ago) as a centre forward. This Ronaldo is a supreme athlete, an unbelievable athlete, never misses a game, two great feet, pace, good in the air.

‘They are two different types but our main worry is not what happened 10 years ago but what will happen tomorrow.’

, given Welbeck has tended to reserve his most productive displays for times when he has been on England duty.

However, it would now be something of a surprise if Sir Alex Ferguson left the 22-year-old out of his starting line-up at Old Trafford next week.

Not bad for a youngster brought up in the same Longsight district of Manchester as Wes Brown, born of parents who both hail from Ghana.

'It was a great feeling to get a goal at the Bernabeu,' said Welbeck.

'The whole occasion was immense, with the number of fans who travelled over and with it being such a big game.

Heads up: Danny Welbeck puts United ahead against Real Madrid

'There was a little part of me thinking I have come a long way in a short space of time.'But it is something I strived for since I was a little kid.

'I really wanted to play for Manchester United and that was one of the biggest games, so part of me did feel proud.

'But it also gave me the motivation to carry on and try to strive for more.'

Welbeck's lack of goals is rather strange considering he was England's top scorer in 2012 and has never previously found it a problem, even if he is not amongst the most prolific members of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad.

The answer, in his view, is simple, and comes from the role he was asked to carry out in the first leg; out wide, trying to counter whilst not forgetting defensive duties against a side so dangerous on the counter-attack.

'I have not really played in my favourite position,' he said. 'I like to play as a striker but a lot of the time I have been out wide.

'I would like to get more goals, but it is obviously more difficult to get them when you are playing in wider areas.”

Wayne Rooney has been given the same duties on a regular basis during his United career.

Indeed, he was repeating the job Welbeck was doing on the left down United's right-hand flank in Madrid last month, underlining his own selfless contribution to the cause.

It is anticipated more will be demanded of Rooney in attack at Old Trafford, which may mean a switch inside in preference to Shinji Kagawa, who nearly made an impact at the Bernabeu without actually managing it.

That move would possibly trigger a recall for Antonio Valencia, although clearly Ferguson does have options, as he does in the form of Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs and Anderson in central midfield if Phil Jones fails to recover from an ankle injury.

'It is the part of the season everyone looks forward to,' said Jonny Evans.

'We are involved in everything and the competitions are all coming in one week.

'The league is the one everyone wants to win but if you asked any player in the Premier League, they would want to play in the Champions League.

Getting on: Welbeck replaces Van Persie to take his chance

'Being at Manchester United, you want that every single season and matches against teams like Real Madrid are ones you need to cherish.

'But we can't just think about what a fantastic occasion it is. We also need to perform.'

Largely jumping quickly and accurately, all appeared to be going well for favourite-backers until the grey made a real mess of the fifth fence from home, bringing him right back to the rest of the field.

However, he was good and neat at the remaining four fences in the home straight and found enough for pressure to hold off the determined Speed Steed by two and a quarter lengths.

Empire Levant is owned by Ferguson and Ged Mason and carries the colours of Grand National contenders What A Friend and Harry The Viking.

Ferguson pays tribute to the man he's had 'a million arguments' with as United chief exec Gill announces decision to step down

: October – Appointed vice chairman of the Football Association.2013: February 20 – Announces he will step down as chief executive of United plc on 30 June 2013, but will remain a director of the football club.

Upon announcing his decision to stand down, he said: 'It
has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United for 16
wonderful years – the last 10 of which as its chief executive.

'I have worked alongside the finest
manager in the history of the game and been part of what I consider to
be the best club in the best sport in the world.

'It has been a very hard decision
because I love this club and, as the fans’ banner says, it is, ‘more
than a religion’. I’ve experienced some incredible highs, such as the
Treble in 1999 and the League and Champions League double in 2008, and
lows, like losing the title with the last kick of the season last year.

'But that is what makes this club and this sport so compelling.'

Gill,
who will remain a director at the club, was appointed vice chairman on
the Football Association in 2012 and has been nominated as its candidate
in the upcoming UEFA Executive Committee elections later this year.

He added: 'I am looking forward to
continuing my involvement on the club board. And I hope to be able to
make a contribution to the game on a wider national and European level.'